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Regina McKinley Interview
by Sachet, Mod @ www.Beyondmass.com
(For more information on Sachet and our friends at BeyondMass.com, please click on the above banner.)
I asked Regina how her friends would describe her personality and she replied; outgoing, talkative and determined. I'm adding 'compassionate' to that list. I've noticed on Beyondmass.com (where she is 'Sexymama the mod') how she always shows concern for others and tries to offers advice when someone has a problem. Regina's interest in modeling began in childhood. She has always had a love for the camera, feels comfortable in front of it and is obviously very photogenic. Since she feels it's the only thing she's really good at.. perhaps it's a sign that modeling is what she was born to do. Seven years ago, Regina decided to get serious about turning her modeling dreams into reality. However, working as a full time insurance agent by day and her evenings spent doing various activities with her young daughter, her time is very limited to devote to achieving her goal. But where there's a will, there's a way and Regina has shifted her hobbies to revolve around working on her new website. Any free time she has is spent scanning ideas through fashion magazines for her online store, searching the modeling want ads for opportunities to submit her portfolio and going to the gym to work out.
Regina McKinley Profile
Date of Birth: 7-15-76
Measurements: 34D-25-36
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 125 lbs.
Website: www.reginamckinley.com
Regina McKinley Interview
Sachet: - Hi, Regina! tell us about your background.. Where you were raised, your family, what your current life is like?
Regina McKinley: I grew up as an only child in FL with my mom & we were pretty much broke. She tried really hard to make ends meet but seems the harder she tried the worse it would get L I swore if I ever had children she would not be an only child & not a single parent and here I am. Of course I did not plan to have a child at such an early age but would not change a thing. Everything happens for a reason you have to believe that. Times were tough growing up and that is why I strive everyday to make my daughters life a lot different.
- Yes, I agree that things happen for a reason. Life doesn't necessarily have to revolve around being in a traditional family to be productive and happy. What's the hardest part and the greatest joy about parenting?
Right now the hardest part is being that I am a single parent just in a financial aspect but at the same time we are so close and get to spend a lot of time together. She is a wonderful child and I could not ask for any one better.
- Your daughter is a cutie pie. Who are your role models? Who are your favorite famous models.. have you met any?
I would have to say my mom. Although we did not have a lot & she had to raise me all alone with no help she ALWAYS stayed so positive. She made the best of everything that was thrown her way & I envy that. My favorite is Brooke Burke.. no I have not met any famous models.
- Your mom sounds like a wonderful woman. Love comes in so many flavors.. she obviously found great happiness with you in her life. Can you remember a particular experience which was a turning point in your life where you learned from it and it shaped who you currently are?
Yes, I was married at a very young age 18 and was married for almost 9 years and he did not want me to model at all. Never let any one or anything hold you back from your dreams. I may never be Cindy Crawford or Brooke Burke but I will know I tried and will be happy with the results that I accomplish.
 - What do you consider your greatest strength & weakness?
Strength- would be determined. I know modeling is kind of a far fetch dream but I will still do my best to try an achieve it. Weakness- I am a little impatient which is a very hard trait to overcome especially in this business because it cant happen over night.
- You just reminded me of something Mary McCloud Bethune wrote. It went something like.. 'Far away, there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them and try to follow where they lead'. What would you say to people who are skeptical about your modeling?
Well I do have a full time job so its not like I am just doing modeling (right now anyway) but it is really hard work a lot of people don’t see that and think oh it is easy just stand in front of the camera & smile. It is WAY more than that. You spend anywhere from 4- 8 hours in the heat or cold trying to get the best shots. If someone went on a shoot or a casting call they would see how tiring and long it can be.
- Has your physical appearance ever given you the edge over others in your every day life?
Well girls in general have an advantage with most things- we can pretty much talk our way into things for free or get things we want. J They teach us that in school – we have a class really on how to work our magic J LOL
- mkay.. men are NOT allowed to read that last response! Diet and exercise play an enormous role in your lifestyle and modeling career. What type of training do you do in the gym?
I work out from 6-7:30 pm Mon - Sat (Sun rest & sometimes Wed)
Monday:
Legs & 30 mins of cardio
Leg extensions- 4 sets 12 reps
Hack squats- 4 sets 12 reps
Leg press- 3 sets 10-12 reps
Standing or laying leg curls- 4 sets 12 reps
Walking lunges- 3 sets
Tuesday:
Chest & 30-45 mins of cardio (run track at daughter's gym)
Flat bench press- 4 sets 12 reps
Flat bench dumbbell press- 3 sets 12 reps
Incline bench press- 4 sets 12 reps
Peck deck- 4 sets 12 reps
Wednesday:
Back & 30 mins of cardio
Pull downs front wide grip- 4 sets 12 reps
T Bar rows- 3 sets 12 reps
Shrugs- 3 sets 10 reps
Seated rows narrow grip- 3 sets 12 reps
Reverse pull downs- 4 sets 12 reps
Thursday:
Shoulders & 30-45 mins running track
Front press- 4 sets 12 reps
Straight arm raises- free weights- 4 sets 12 reps
Upright rows- 3 sets 12 reps
Standing shoulder flys- 4 sets 12 reps
Friday:
Tri's and Bi's & 30 mins of cardio
Tri's: Push downs- 4 sets 12 reps
Reverse push downs- 4 sets 12 reps
Overhead dumbbell press- 4 sets 12 reps
Bi's: Barbell curls- 4 sets 12-15 reps
Seated curl machine- 4 sets 12 reps
Reverse curls- 4 sets 12 reps
Curls- dumbbells: 3 sets 10-12 reps (usually run the rack)
Saturday:
Usually a hard cardio day
Also a make-up day if I skip Wednesday, hard abs or calves.
I do some sort of abs every day and calves 2 times a week.
- What other fitness things do you do to keep your figure in top shape? Your daughter is an all-star competitive cheerleader. Do you do any training with her.. can you do a cartwheel? *lol*
I work out every day but Sun sometimes Wed is an off day just depends… but I do not do any extra classes right now. I usually do a spinning class on Sat Morning and an aerobics class sometime during the week. LOL yes I can do a cartwheel. She is on a competitive team so we do not get to go in there with them. I do run the track at the gym she is at the last 30 or so min while I am waiting for her. J
- What type of diet works best for you to keep slim?
My day of course changes up a little – now remember I am not a body builder so my diet is not very strict just what works for me you know? This is usually my day- 6am cup of coffee 8am lean body shake and half of bagel 10:30 strawberries, yogurt, peanuts or something small 1:00 chicken & potato 4:30 a lean body protein bar (half) 7:30-8:00 chicken or steak , rice & green beans or some sort of veggie. I do not count my calories & all that stuff probably should but just have been doing what works for me. I have seen a lot of results here lately so I am pleased.
- Does your diet change before a shoot? If so, how?
Yeah I don’t eat- LOL just kidding I don’t really change much. I just make sure that I eat clean no cheating- I don’t have a lot of will power.
- I get so busy during the day, I actually forget to eat sometimes! Have you ever taken modeling classes.. do you recommend them?
No well I take that back as a child my mother tried several time 3 to be exact to put me in the classes because of course that is what they told us we needed but she could not afford it after the 1st or 2nd class so I had to quit. They are not needed in my opinion if you are a little older and modeling now a child or teen probably because those classes teach you professionalism, confidence, how & what to do on a photo shoot and casting calls, make up & hair, your presence in a room of people, what is needed and expected of you and so on… so that would be important for younger people because they just don’t know any better and most need the confidence. They are expensive usually like 1000 + and they are NOT needed. You can make it as a model with out them.
- What was your first professional modeling.. can you remember what emotions you experienced? Have you ever entered any contests?
The first thing I did was a rap video in 92 but I was only 15 so did not think that counts much. Guess I would say in 97 I was on my first swimsuit calendar and was so excited. That was a big deal to me and all the prizes that came with it that really sparked my interest to see what else I could do. Yes I entered Bikini contests of course – I did well in most of them won some money, to be on their calendars, trips etc. I really got out of the contests because there is a lot of politics in them and the girls are usually really catty and I am just not that way. They can really hurt your self esteem as well so I tend to stay away from those.
- Is there a height & weight requirement to be a swimsuit model.. is there such a thing as being too tall?
Not that I have some across. Long as you have a nice physique that is all they are looking for really. Usually they do want women with some type of sexy appeal. So a sweet young innocent girl next door look would probably do better in another field of modeling.
- There was a time when modeling agencies were only interested in girls between the ages of 13 to 21 years old and at least 5'8" in height. That seems to be changing. From your professional perspective, what improvements or positive changes have you noticed happening for the women who do not fall into that 13 to 21 year old range?
That is mainly for RUNWAY models only there are SO many different kinds of modeling so anyone interested needs to pursue it. I use to think the same thing and held me back for a while but then realized there was way more out there. You would be surprised how many different types of models are needed.
- What physical attributes do modeling agencies look for most in a girl? Does having a tattoo or body piercings hurt your chances?
It varies because there are so many looking for different things so would be hard to narrow down. It is important for a model to always pay attention to certain physical features, such as keeping her complexion clear, teeth very white, nails manicured and her hair healthy. They absolutely look at every detail things you don’t even think about. J That is the good thing too because people are always looking for different things. So something you may not like about your self could be something someone is looking. The agency is there to help people find YOU. Yes having tattoos or piercings can hurt your chances. I do have both but it is just going to depend on what the company, person or magazine is looking for. You see a lot of tattoos these days I don’t think plays much of a part anymore as it has in the past.
- Is personality important as well? I would imagine they'd also look to see if she's organized & dependable, do you agree?
YES this is a must. You won’t be hired or recommended for another job if you are not dependable. Yes you really have to be outgoing. They are looking for models that can kind of be on there own and know what to do and that is where you fun loving outgoing personality would help you. You can not be shy!!!
- What happens if someone doesn't live close to an agency.. what are their other options for ways to break into modeling? I also noticed your professional modeling resume on your website. You have done quite a bit to date.. do you have an agency or a manager representing you or are you a free-lance model? Have you ever been to a modeling convention?
I started in a local swim suit contest so something like that or try their local department stores or search the net- I am on a bunch of websites but my main one other than my own is One Model Place.com they are HUGE and you can get some good exposure & it is free for a basic one & a good way to start. I free-lance but it is tough so I am now looking for an Agent. I would have a lot more work if I had an Agent. Yes, I have been to modeling conventions. They are crazy about 400-600 people want to be seen by several model scouts in the same place. It is neat but they are usually costly.
- What are composite cards?
A composite card is a card with your name, stats and 4-6 pictures of your self to show an agency or client that you have different looks and could benefit them in some way. It is very important to have this before meeting with some one. It shows them you are a professional even if your not. That is the first thing anyone will ask for. They are pricey sometimes depending on how elaborate you want to go to stand out but it is a must!
- Is it necessary to have a portfolio before seeing an agency? What is the best size and how often should you update your portfolio?
Yes this is another must! You need to have this and a comp card unless you are just starting and they are willing to help you get that together. A professional size is 8.5 x 11.5 and you should update it as often as you can. You need to only put about 10-12 WOW photos in there. Not just great ones- ones that will WOW the client. A lot of people think they more they have the better it is (I use to too) but that is not the case. They usually don’t have a lot of time so they like to look at a few so you need to be sure to put very different ones to show you can be versatile.
- When you have a professional photo shoot done, do photographers charge by the hour or for the shoot and the amount of pictures they take?
Some photographers will charge $ 300 & up for 2-4 looks (which means change of clothes & hair/makeup) I have seen some AWESOME photographers charge up to $1000 depends on his status in the industry, Some charge on the rolls of film instead of looks and then some done TFP’s which means Time for Pictures. So the shoot is free and you get a copy of the pictures. That is mostly for new photographers who are building their portfolios as well. So you helping him & he is helping you. The only thing about the free ones is your responsible for your own hair & make-up. So it really depends on the photographer you choose.
- What important lessons have you learned from your experiences in this business?
That you must be yourself, be strong and don’t let anyone crush or hold you back from a dream of yours. No matter what it is or how far fetched it may be it is your dream and do the best you can to achieve there is a lot of rejection in this business and that is a tough thing to take at times.
For more information on Regina McKinley and ReginaMcKinley.com, please click on the above banner.
- It's exciting that you have your own website! When someone visits, what can they expect to find there?
A little world about me! This is what I enjoy to do and why not share it. I hope to be as big as Brooke Burke one day but till then I will just keep striving to get there and would love people to follow me along the way. See maybe just a regular girl move forward with her passion. Eventually I hope to be offering things for sale in my online store. The message board is a way I can communicate with what is going on with me on a more regular basis. Plus I can chat with some fans/friends if they want to. So everybody is encouraged to join... please stop in and say hello! Something I might be doing in the future for the local girls in my area is posting local events such as bikini & fitness model bodybuilding contests for and updating the results from those contests.
 - I did some online surfing to various modeling websites and it appears that many go to the extreme in most cases. As a woman who has a large male following already, how do you remain 'respectful' when there are so many women out there willing to bare all on their pay sites? Does the fact that you have a young daughter help you to keep things in perspective?
I would not do anything NUDE! It could really hurt you in the modeling business later in life as we have seen in this past. I know a lot of girls get there start in Playboy and I have been asked by one of their photographers if I have ever considered it and of course who has not with the money & stuff you can get but I just can’t bring myself to do it. As far as my daughter being part of that decision I’m not sure probley so but at the same time I want her to be proud of her body just learn to be respectful with it. If that makes sense.
- Not to get off topic, so that was a little fib, but we all know women talk about men and sex more than men talk about women *lol* What do you look for in a male? On a scale from 1 to 10, how handsome does he need to be in order for you to give him a *yum* and give him signals that you're interested? Just out of curiosity, is there a certain someone special in your life currently?
Wow this is a loaded question J. Of course looks are important but not as important as other qualities. A 6-7 could make up in other areas. I like to have a 10 with all other things to but we all know that wont happen-LOL I am dating someone now. He is 6’3 235 loves to work out & pushes me with my modeling career which is very important. A lot of men would have a problem with that so that is one of the first things I look for is some one confident enough to handle my modeling. My ex-husband refused for me to modeling so that is my main thing now not to let someone hold me back.
- Well.. since we're on the topic *grins* what about his body inquiring minds need to know. Does he need to have a hard body?
Sure I like him to take care of him self like I do makes things a lot easier for us to do it together. He does not have to be rock hard 6 pack & all cause I sure am not- hehehe.
- Ooh you're much too modest.. you're in fantastic shape! How do you distinguish between helpful male friends and those men with ulterior motives to see if they can get you to 'take it off'?
It is really hard to have male friends as any girl knows. As far as the photographers go I lay down the ground rules, I bring someone with me 98% of the time and I research them prior to the shoot that way I am not put in that position.
- Good point.. you can never be too careful. I suppose it would be a good idea to always let someone know when you're going on a shoot, if you need to go alone. hmm.. since it is such a competitive business, at times it must be discouraging.. What made you stick to your plans despite discouragement?
You really have to be strong willed and learn to take rejection. No one likes to be rejected but that is all part of this industry. I may get a little down but that just makes me work harder and be stronger for the next one. Besides there are so many different things to do you may be great for one and not want they want for another. You really cant let it bother you although it is hard not to.
Sachet: Just for fun.. what was the best thing and the worst things that have happened to you on a shoot?
Regina: Worst thing would have to be the time I locked a photographers keys in his car- ha-ha He had just told me “don’t leave the keys in the car” opps the best thing I guess would be that I was asked for additional work. I just had a killer shoot and this photographer said to me “this is what you need to be doing full time girl” He has a lot of connections so cross your fingers for me J.
- *LMAO!* I have my fingers crossed for youest of luck to you in your future modeling endeavors Regina. We'll be following your progress through your website. One more quick thing.. what would the ultimate dream modeling job be to you?
JUST TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A MODEL. I know I keep referring to Brooke Burke but she may not be known as a Cindy Crawford or Tyra Banks but that is just enough for me!
* Article by Sachet, Mod @ www.Beyondmass.com .
* Back to This Issue's Frontpage
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